Concerns About Dental Care: A Patient's Experience with a New Dentist

Oral Problem Examination

Last week, after a routine dental check-up and cleaning, the dentist mentioned that I needed a filling because there was a small cavity in one of my upper molars, which seemed to have decay (the dentist appeared to be a recent graduate, probably around 25 years old).
On December 24th, this same young dentist asked me, "Does it hurt?!" I replied, "No." (However, I had been feeling some sensitivity in my teeth after the cleaning he performed last week.) He then stated, "The cavity has progressed!" (Last week, he seemed uncertain and suggested scheduling a filling for the next visit.) This week, he wanted me to consider removing the crown and starting over, or just filling it and waiting until it decays further before extracting it.

Furthermore, the originally scheduled filling was canceled, and he suddenly decided to examine my lower first molar.
On the same day, he unexpectedly said, "I’ll open up the interproximal space a bit for you; this is healthier for your teeth!" He added, "The gaps will get bigger, but don’t think that’s a bad thing!" What is this?! At that moment, my mouth was completely obstructed by the suction device and water, preventing me from speaking! He was asking me questions while working on my teeth, and I had no idea if what he was saying was true or if he was intentionally damaging my teeth.
I couldn’t stop him, and he didn’t give me a chance to consider my options.
While he was working on my teeth, the nurse and the dentist were chatting about everything from their parents to amusement parks, laughing the whole time! When the nurse went to get something, she even placed the light instrument on me (this recent graduate had only been in the clinic for a few months).

However, my main concern is whether making the "interproximal space larger" is actually healthy? This is the first time I’ve ever heard of such a thing! He ground down the space between my first molar and used dental floss along with a metal frame shaped like a tooth to enlarge the gap.
The next day, which is today, December 24th, I noticed that food got stuck in the gap of my lower first molar! What should I do about this? Can I seek recourse or remedy for my teeth? Is this normal? This is my first visit to this dental office! I didn’t choose a specific dentist and was assigned to this newly graduated young dentist.

RON, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/24

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Mr.
Ron,
Hello! For the cavities between the two teeth, they should generally be treated separately and not filled together.
If they have been filled together, they need to be re-treated separately.
After filling, the contact between the teeth should be very tight; otherwise, food can easily get trapped.
Additional reinforcement can be done if necessary.

Take care! Wishing you peace and success!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2019/12/24

More Info

It sounds like you had a very concerning experience at the dental clinic, and it's understandable to feel anxious and frustrated about the treatment you received. Dental care is crucial for maintaining oral health, and when patients feel uncertain about their treatment, it can lead to significant anxiety. Let's break down some of your concerns and provide clarity on the situation.

Firstly, regarding the young dentist's approach to your treatment, it's important to recognize that communication is key in any healthcare setting. It seems that there was a lack of clear communication about the condition of your teeth and the rationale behind the proposed treatments. When a dentist suggests a procedure, they should explain the reasoning behind it, the potential risks, and the expected outcomes. If you felt that the dentist was not adequately explaining the situation or was dismissive of your concerns, this is a valid reason to seek a second opinion or to express your dissatisfaction with the care you received.

Now, concerning the idea that "widening the gaps between teeth is healthier," this is not a standard practice in dentistry. Generally, maintaining proper spacing between teeth is important for oral hygiene and overall dental health. Wider gaps can lead to food impaction, which can cause cavities and gum disease. If you are experiencing food getting stuck in the gaps after the procedure, this could indicate that the treatment was not appropriate for your dental needs. It’s essential to address this with your dentist or seek a second opinion from another dental professional.

If you feel that the treatment was not performed correctly or that the dentist acted inappropriately, you have the right to voice your concerns. Most dental practices have a complaint procedure in place. You can start by discussing your concerns directly with the dentist or the clinic manager. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, you can also reach out to your local dental association or board, which can provide guidance on how to proceed with a formal complaint.

In terms of your immediate dental health, if you are experiencing discomfort or issues with food getting stuck, it would be advisable to return to the dentist for a follow-up appointment. Explain your concerns clearly and ask for a thorough examination of the areas that were treated. If you feel that the young dentist is not addressing your concerns adequately, you may want to request to see a more experienced dentist within the practice.

Lastly, if you are feeling overwhelmed by this experience, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Anxiety about dental care is common, and a therapist can help you develop coping strategies to manage your fears and concerns about future dental visits.

In summary, your experience highlights the importance of communication and trust in the dentist-patient relationship. If you feel that your concerns are not being addressed, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or escalate your concerns through the appropriate channels. Your oral health is important, and you deserve to receive care that is both respectful and effective.

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